THE FUNFAIR OF LIFE

The funfair of life!!

You're probably wondering what this article is about.

It was inspired by a christian animated film i saw some time ago called, The Pilgrim's Progress.

The plot of this film is about the journey of a christian—from a sinner to his salvation process and the kingdom of God (eternal rest). 'Christian pilgrim' being the name of the major character left the old city destined for doom and destruction to journey to the celestial city paved with streets of gold.

I can't possibly tell you everything about the movie here. You can go see it yourself. Trust me, it will bless you as it did to me.

But then, i fast forward to the part where 'Christian pilgrim' got to a city called Vanity Fair in course of his journey to the celestial city.

In Vanity Fair city, there was a huge funfair going on. It is a place where diverse fun activities and buying and selling never stops. Once a person gets distracted by giving attention to any activity there, they might not make it out. Meaning that pilgrims (those who travel) may not complete their journey because of how enticing the funfair going on is.

The funfair was a place where doing nothing—not buying anything or participating in anything—interrupts their fair which is considered a serious crime.

However, 'Christian pilgrim' and his colleague upon entering the city had so many things and people calling for their attention; women (sexual immorality), fine wine and spirits (drunkeness), pleasurable gatherings (parties), amusement and carnival rides that gives elate pleasure and many more. The pressure, however, was so much that Christian had to scream the word, NO!!!

That uncompromising respond immediately seized every activity and shocked everyone there. Why? Because in that place, no one resist anything. It was very unusual to hear the word, 'NO'.

After his firm respond, Christian said, "what we wish to attain, you do not sell here."

Wow!

These men had their hearts, minds and entire being encapsulated by a desire (the journey to the celestial city) stronger than pleasure that nothing, not even the funfair could give them.

They were hungry for something much more that the flickering pleasure/enjoyment they could possibly get at the fair.

Why did i take my time to explain that part of the story?

I want you to understand how important focusing on your purpose is and how deceptive life's fair can be.

Oh yes!

We live in a world where everything is seeking your attention and it comes with intense pressure such that if you aren't focused well enough by putting in front of you the goal/prize always, you'll fall like a pack of cards. Especially you as a child of God.

You are a pilgrim, a sourjourner on earth. You are definitely not of this world but of God's glorious kingdom, on a journey of faith and a race onward the kingdom of God as the scripture connotes.

"They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

(John 17:16 NKJV)

You have an assignment, a calling, a purpose you must serve and I find it very necessary to bring to your notice that the world's 'funfair' (plenty of pleasurable activities at the detriment of your spiritual walk with God and focus on your destiny's pursuit) will always want you to deviate and give it attention.

Wordly fashion, music, movies. Women, (immorality) and bribery as the world's trends wants you. Illicit lifestyles, intense love for money, addictions like pornography, masturbation, lesbianism, gayism, they are everywhere. You can find it in schools, at place of work and corner of streets.

To say No, just like the men in the story, It will only take a firm decision, your stand with Christ and knowing who you are and where you're going.

Beloved, i want to remind you, FIX YOUR GAZE ON Christ! The vanities of life won't help but lure you. It's only there as one of the devil's tactics to distract you off course.

Demas, a fellow labourer with apostle Paul deserted him and the work to follow the world. He was too amused and carried away by trends and the world's way of life.

"for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica...."

(2 Timothy 4:10 NKJV)

Remember, love of the world is enmity with God. You can't love both. You can't live for both. You can't serve both because the corrupted one will stain you and I'm sure you know there's no corruption in Christ.

Your firm 'NO' is highly paramount. It should be your response at all times in situations like this. Your 'NO' can save you.

Agreement to everything that comes your way is a clear indication of a 'direction-less' and 'focus-less' Christian. And it applies to every walk of life.

When pressure to follow trends, to compromise on your beliefs, to engage something outside God's will for your life comes knocking, you have to be sensitive enough to recognize it and give it no attention at all. Yes, you have to be sensitive at all times. You can't afford to be careless.

Furthermore, Christian pilgrim and his colleague in the story i shared stood their ground in what they wanted that it cost both of them persecution from the people in that city and even the life of his colleague. Be rest assured that people will hate you for being different from their set patterns—the world's way of life.

They may mock and ridicule you, find you very odd and even call you names but those things doesn't matter. What truly matters is God's validation and approval not man's. Your kingdom citizenship, the purity of your heart, your walk with God and your purpose should be your utmost concern.

Remember, it is a fight; a fight of faith. Apostle paul said, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Why did he persevere?

Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

(2 Timothy 4:7‭-‬8 NKJV)

Stand and fight for the prize (crown and glory). Let go of vanities. I'm not saying you shouldn't have the good things of life. Even God wants you to prosper. What I'm saying is, DON'T LET THE VANITIES OF LIFE STEAL YOUR FOCUS AND ATTENTION FROM WHAT MATTERS MOST.

Shalom!

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